Review: ‘Bad Boys for Life’ Underscores “Unnecessary” Can Still Be Fun

Where you stand on a third installment of the Bad Boys franchise was probably revealed mere seconds after learning its existence: nostalgia-based joy reminiscent of 90s action-comedies from the younger days of your life, or an eye-roll to the tune of “is this necessary?” To the latter question I would answer a resounding “no,” Bad Boys for Life is a lazily-written money grab to capitalize on the sure financial bet of sequels to familiar series. Would I recommend it, though? I would. While it may be unoriginal and uninspired, Bad Boys for Life sure is fun. The two Miami cops, Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) and Mike Lowry (Will Smith) are at the tail ends of their careers as superstar detectives, having achieved a somewhat cult status for their adventures over the years. Marcus, now a new grandfather and worn down, is ready to call it quits and ease into the retirement phase of his life while Mike, still young at heart and confident as ever, wants their ride to never end. That’s one of the themes of the film — how to move forward with a friend when you’re headed in different directions — and of course one of its best sources of comedy, highlighting the ongoing juxtaposition between Marcus’ slow life with Mike’s fast one.

Being its third film there might be an audience expectation for tying the films together, a recall to an old villain or surprises from the past, rewards for those who’ve been with the series since its premiere in 1995. And while there are plenty of comedic…